Medcheck:A novel software for automated de-formulation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)prescriptions by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Prescriptions are the main clinical application of traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs).Common forms include Chinese patent medicines,Kampo formulas,and hospital decoctions.A new pre-scription called“famous classical formulas”is recently developed and expected to boom in the market.Identifying constituent me-dicinal plants in prescriptions is critical for new drug development and quality control[1],which could avoid safety issues from adulteration or substandard ingredients,as seen in the notorious Longdan Xiegan Pill event.

Formulation of Infant Flours Based on Fonio Enriched with Bambara Groundnut Anacardium (Cashew) and African Locust Bean Fruit Pulp

Infant malnutrition is a significant issue in Côte d’Ivoire, and this study aims to address it by formulating infant flours using local ingredients. Fermentation, germination, and malting methods were used to enhance the quality of six formulated flours, all based on Fonio and supplemented with Bambara groundnut, African locust bean fruit pulp, and cashew kernels. Results showed that Fonio had the highest carbohydrate content, while Bambara groundnut and Cashew kernels were rich in protein and lipid content. African locust bean fruit pulp was rich in fiber and Vitamin C, with a high β-carotene value. The cashew kernel had the highest energy value. Regarding mineral composition, African locust bean fruit pulp had the highest potassium content, while Bambara groundnut and African locust bean fruit pulp were rich in sodium. Cashew kernel and Fonio had higher iron and calcium content. Bambara groundnut had a higher zinc content, while cashew kernel had a higher magnesium content. The formulated flours made from fermented Fonio grains and enriched with Bambara groundnut, African locust bean fruit pulp, and cashew kernel had varying protein, fiber, carbohydrate, ash, and fat contents. The flour formulated with sprouted Fonio and enriched with the same ingredients had higher protein content and energy value than the other fermented seed-based flours. The mixed flours produced with fermented seeds and the flour produced from sprouted seeds met international standards. Overall, these findings offer valuable insights into the nutritional composition of the formulated flours and their potential to combat infant malnutrition in Côte d’Ivoire.

Low crude protein formulation with supplemental amino acids for its impacts on intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs

Background Low crude protein(CP)formulations with supplemental amino acids(AA)are used to enhance intestinal health,reduce costs,minimize environmental impact,and maintain growth performance of pigs.However,extensive reduction of dietary CP can compromise growth performance due to limited synthesis of non-essential AA and limited availability of bioactive compounds from protein supplements even when AA requirements are met.Moreover,implementing a low CP formulation can increase the net energy(NE)content in feeds causing excessive fat deposition.Additional supplementation of functional AA,coupled with low CP formulation could further enhance intestinal health and glucose metabolism,improving nitrogen utilization,and growth performance.Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of low CP formulations with supplemental AA on the intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.Methods In Exp.1,90 pigs(19.7±1.1 kg,45 barrows and 45 gilts)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(18.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,and Thr),LCP(16.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,Thr,Trp,and Val),and LCPT(16.1%CP,LCP+0.05%SID Trp).In Exp.2,72 pigs(34.2±4.2 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(17.7%CP,meeting the requirements of Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(15.0%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and VLCP(12.8%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,Phe,His,and Leu).In Exp.3,72 pigs(54.1±5.9 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments and fed experimental diets for 3 phases(grower 2,finishing 1,and finishing 2).Treatments were CON(18.0%,13.8%,12.7%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(13.5%,11.4%,10.4%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and LCPG(14.1%,12.8%,11.1%CP for 3 phases;LCP+Glu to match SID Glu with CON).All diets had 2.6 Mcal/kg NE.Results In Exp.1,overall,the growth performance did not differ among treatments.The LCPT increased(P<0.05)Claudin-1 expression in the duodenum and jejunum.The LCP and LCPT increased(P<0.05)CAT-1,4F2hc,and B0AT expressions in the jejunum.In Exp.2,overall,the VLCP reduced(P<0.05)G:F and BUN.The LCP and VLCP increased(P<0.05)the backfat thickness(BFT).In Exp.3,overall,growth performance and BFT did not differ among treatments.The LCPG reduced(P<0.05)BUN,whereas increased the insulin in plasma.The LCP and LCPG reduced(P<0.05)the abundance of Streptococcaceae,whereas the LCP reduced(P<0.05)Erysipelotrichaceae,and the alpha diversity.Conclusions When implementing low CP formulation,CP can be reduced by supplementation of Lys,Thr,Met,Trp,Val,and Ile without affecting the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs when NE is adjusted to avoid increased fat deposition.Supplementation of Trp above the requirement or supplementation of Glu in low CP formulation seems to benefit intestinal health as well as improved nitrogen utilization and glucose metabolism.

Effects of Silicon Formulations on Cold Tolerance of Rice Seedlings

To investigate the effects of silicon formulations on the cold tolerance of rice seedlings,Song Japonica 16(not cold tolerant)and Dongnong 427(cold tolerant)rice varieties were used as test materials and four different types of silicon formulations,Si-50-G,Si-60-G,Si-T-G,and Si-E-G,were applied as foliar sprays at the seedling stage,and a control group CK(equal amount of distilled water)was set up.One week after the first silicon spray,two types of rice were subjected to low-temperature stress treatments at day/night temperatures of 12℃/10℃for 2,4,6,and 8 days.The effects of different silicon formulations on the chlorophyll,proline(Pro)and soluble sugar contents as well as superoxide dismutase(SOD),peroxidase(POD)and catalase(CAT)activities of rice seedlings under low-temperature stress were compared to find out the effects of silicon formulations on the cold tolerance of rice seedlings.The results showed that silicon formulations could significantly increase the chlorophyll content of rice seedling leaves,with Si-50-G being the most effective,with a significant increment of 40.17%compared to the CK at 2 days of low temperature.Four silicon formulations significantly increased the proline content and soluble sugar content of rice leaves at low temperature for 4-8 days.For Song Japonica 16,the most significant increment in leaf POD activity was observed in Si-E-G treatment at 2,4 and 8 days of temperature stress,with 73.58%,20.95%and 217.24%increases compared to the CK,respectively.For 4 and 6 days of temperature stress,the most significant increase in CAT activity was observed in Si-E-G treatment,with 25.70%and 75.78%increases compared to the CK,respectively.For Dongnong 427,the Si-60-G treatment showed the highest increase in leaf SOD activity for 4 and 8 days of temperature stress,with significant increases of 58.15%and 82.76%compared to the CK,respectively,and the Si-E-G treatment showed the highest increase in leaf POD activity for 2 and 8 days of temperature stress,with significant increases of 97.75%and 245.10%compared to the CK,respectively.It showed that the spraying of silicon formulations could significantly enhance the cold tolerance of rice.This study provided a scientific basis for the rational use of silicon formulations to enhance cold tolerance in rice and had important theoretical and practical significance for ensuring sustainable high and stable rice yields in Heilongjiang Province,as well as for the development of silicon fertilizers.

Heyingwuzi formulation alleviates diabetic retinopathy by promoting mitophagy via the HIF-1α/BNIP3/NIX axis

BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is the primary cause of visual problems in patients with diabetes.The Heyingwuzi formulation(HYWZF)is effective against DR.AIM To determine the HYWZF prevention mechanisms,especially those underlying mitophagy.METHODS Human retinal capillary endothelial cells(HRCECs)were treated with high glucose(hg),HYWZF serum,PX-478,or Mdivi-1 in vitro.Then,cell counting kit-8,transwell,and tube formation assays were used to evaluate HRCEC proliferation,invasion,and tube formation,respectively.Transmission electron microscopy was used to assess mitochondrial morphology,and Western blotting was used to determine the protein levels.Flow cytometry was used to assess cell apoptosis,reactive oxygen species(ROS)production,and mitochondrial membrane potential.Moreover,C57BL/6 mice were established in vivo using streptozotocin and treated with HYWZF for four weeks.Blood glucose levels and body weight were monitored continuously.Changes in retinal characteristics were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin,tar violet,and periodic acid-Schiff staining.Protein levels in retinal tissues were determined via Western blotting,immunohistochemistry,and immunostaining.RESULTS HYWZF inhibited excessive ROS production,apoptosis,tube formation,and invasion in hg-induced HRCECs via mitochondrial autophagy in vitro.It increased the mRNA expression levels of BCL2-interacting protein 3(BNIP3),FUN14 domain-containing 1,BNIP3-like(BNIP3L,also known as NIX),PARKIN,PTEN-induced kinase 1,and hypoxia-inducible factor(HIF)-1α.Moreover,it downregulated the protein levels of vascular endothelial cell growth factor and increased the light chain 3-II/I ratio.However,PX-478 and Mdivi-1 reversed these effects.Additionally,PX-478 and Mdivi-1 rescued the effects of HYWZF by decreasing oxidative stress and apoptosis and increasing mitophagy.HYWZF intervention improved the symptoms of diabetes,tissue damage,number of acellular capillaries,and oxidative stress in vivo.Furthermore,in vivo experiments confirmed the results of in vitro experiments.CONCLUSION HYWZF alleviated DR and associated damage by promoting mitophagy via the HIF-1α/BNIP3/NIX axis.

Formulation of Motor Oil from Blends of Rubber Latex Cup Bottom Oil (RLBO) and Used Frying Oil (UFO)

Most motor oils are made from mineral oils derived from petroleum, the reserves of which are limited and exhaustible. The aim of this study is to produce and characterize motor oil formulations based on mixtures of rubber latex cup bottom oil (RLCBO) and used frying oil (UFO). The results show that these formulations have a density between 0.91 and 0.92. These densities evolve linearly with the proportion of cup bottom oil and temperature. Similarly, the kinematic viscosity of the blends follows an exponential relationship with temperature. By plotting the logarithm of these kinematic viscosities against the inverse of the temperature, we were able to determine the activation energy of the various blends and deduce that the formulations behave Newtonian.

Curriculum Reform Practices in “Cosmetic Product Formulation Design and Preparation Technology” Under the Perspective of Integration of Industry, Education, and Research

With the upgrading of industries,the cosmetics industry has posed new requirements for technical talents.As a professional core course in cosmetic technology,“Cosmetic Product Formulation Design and Preparation Technology”serves as the foundation for cultivating students’abilities in cosmetic development and preparation.To foster high-quality skilled talents capable of adapting to the rapid growth of color cosmetics and to better promote the deep integration of scientific and technological industries with curriculum teaching,the teacher team embarked on active explorations and practical teaching research for curriculum teaching reform from four dimensions:strengthening top-level design,enriching teaching content,optimizing teaching design,and reforming assessment methods.These efforts have enhanced students’comprehensive vocational qualities and innovative consciousness,contributing to the teaching reform in higher vocational colleges under the integration of industry,education,and research.

Glycemic Responses of Food Formulations Based on White Rice and White Bean

The management of diabetes mellitus is based on lifestyle and dietary measures suggesting the consumption of foods with a low glycemic index. The present study was conducted in order to propose food formulas based on white rice and white beans resulting in a lower glycemic response. For this, food formulations based on these foods were first made, in particular the formulation [75% white rice + 25% white beans] and the formulation [50% rice + 50% white beans]. Then, the biochemical composition of white rice, white bean and these two formulations was determined by the usual methods. Finally, their glycemic responses over 120 minutes were studied by the FAO/ WHO 1998 method. The results showed that white rice [100% white rice] had the highest carbohydrate content (54.61%) followed respectively by the formulation [75% white rice + 25% white bean] (45.69%), the white bean [100% white bean] (29.1%) and the formulation [50% white rice + 50% white bean] (26.16%). In terms of glycemic responses, the formulation [50% white rice + 50% white beans] presented the best evolution with a lower peak (6.041 mmol/L) observed at T45min and a lower postprandial glycemia (4.872 mmol/ L) at T120min. An increase in the proportion of beans is therefore recommended as it may suggest a beneficial metabolic effect.

Effectiveness of an amino acid beverage formulation in diarrheapredominant irritable bowel syndrome:A pragmatic real-world study

BACKGROUND Amino-acid based medical foods have shown promise in alleviating symptoms of drug induced gastrointestinal side effects;particularly,diarrhea-predominant symptoms.Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects up to 9% of people globally,with diarrhea predominant IBS(IBS-D)being the most prevalent subtype.Further trials are needed to explore potential added benefits when integrated into standard care for IBS-D.AIM To assess the effectiveness of an amino acid-based medical food as an adjunct to standard of care for adults with IBS-D.METHODS This is a pragmatic,real world,open label,single arm study comparing a 2-week baseline assessment to a 2-week intervention period.One hundred adults,aged 18 to 65 years,with IBS-D,according to Rome IV criteria,were enrolled after completing a 2-week baseline assessment period and received a 2-week supply of an amino acid based medical food which was consumed at home twice daily on top of their standard of care.The primary outcome was an assessment of tolerability after 2-weeks of consumption,while secondary outcomes included changes in stool consistency(Bristol Stool Form Scale),severity of abdominal pain&discomfort,symptoms of urgency,Global Improvement Survey(GIS),and the IBS severity scoring system(IBS-SSS).RESULTS The test product was well-tolerated as each participant successfully completed the full 14-day trial,and there were no instances of dropouts or discontinuation of the study product reported.Forty percent of participants achieved a 50% or more reduction in the number of days with type 6-7 bowel movements(IBS-D stool consistency responders).Fifty-three percent of participants achieved a clinically meaningful reduction of 30% in mean weekly pain scores,and 55%experienced the same for mean weekly discomfort scores(IBS-D pain and discomfort responders).Participants experienced a mean-109.4(95% confidence interval:-130.1,-88.8)point reduction on the IBS-SSS and 52% experienced a minimally clinically important difference of>95 points.An IBS-SSS category shift from severe to moderate or mild occurred in 69% of participants.For functional symptoms,76% of participants reported symptom relief on the GIS.CONCLUSION The amino acid-based medical food was well-tolerated,when added to the standard of care,and demonstrated improvements in both overall IBS symptom severity and IBS-D symptoms within just 2 wk.

Predicting liposome formulations by the integrated machine learning and molecular modeling approaches

Liposome is one of the most widely used carriers for drug delivery because of the great biocompatibility and biodegradability.Due to the complex formulation components and preparation process,formulation screening mostly relies on trial-and-error process with low efficiency.Here liposome formulation prediction models have been built by machine learning(ML)approaches.The important parameters of liposomes,including size,polydispersity index(PDI),zeta potential and encapsulation,are predicted individually by optimal ML algorithm,while the formulation features are also ranked to provide important guidance for formulation design.The analysis of key parameter reveals that drug molecules with logS[-3,-6],molecular complexity[500,1000]and XLogP3(≥2)are priority for preparing liposome with higher encapsulation.In addition,naproxen(NAP)and palmatine HCl(PAL)represented the insoluble and water-soluble molecules are prepared as liposome formulations to validate prediction ability.The consistency between predicted and experimental value verifies the satisfied accuracy of ML models.As the drug properties are critical for liposome particles,the molecular interactions and dynamics of NAP and PAL liposome are further investigated by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations.The modeling structure reveals that NAP molecules could distribute into lipid layer,while most PAL molecules aggregate in the inner aqueous phase of liposome.The completely different physical state of NAP and PAL confirms the importance of drug properties for liposome formulations.In summary,the general prediction models are built to predict liposome formulations,and the impacts of key factors are analyzed by combing ML with molecular modeling.The availability and rationality of these intelligent prediction systems have been proved in this study,which could be applied for liposome formulation development in the future.

Effect of Synthetic Conditions and Thickener Formulation on the Rheological and Tribological Properties of Polypropylene Grease

Polypropylene(PP)grease holds great potential for special industrial applications.In this study,synthetic conditions,thickener content,and the ratio of two different molecular weight PPs were investigated systematically using a rheometer,scanning electron microscope,X-ray diffraction,Fourier transform infrared spectrometer,oscillating tribometer,and 3D surface profiler measurements.The results showed that suitable synthetic conditions are two quenching cycles,and the synthetic temperature and time is 240℃for 12 h.The rheological analysis showed that thickener content and different proportions of the two PP molecular weights have a significant influence on the rheological properties of PP grease.High molecular weight PP(H-PP)has a stronger thickening ability than low molecular weight PP(L-PP).The higher the amount of H-PP in the fixed thickener content or the higher the thickener content with a specific proportion,the higher the viscoelasticity of PP grease.The tribological performance is related to the rheological properties.The proportion of two different molecular weight PPs in the thickener content should be appropriate;excessive H-PP content leads to lubrication failure.

Eigen value analysis of composite hollow shafts using modified EMBT formulation considering the shear deformation along the thickness direction

Composite hollow shafts are used in power transmission applications due to their high specific stiffness and high specific strength.The dynamic characteristics of these shafts are important for transmission applications.Dynamic modelling of these shafts is generally carried out using Equivalent Modulus Beam Theory(EMBT)and Layerwise Beam Theory(LBT)formulations.The EMBT formulation is modified by considering stacking sequence,shear normal coupling,bending twisting coupling and bending stretching coupling.It is observed that modified EMBT formulation is underestimating the shafts stiffness at lower length/mean diameter(l/dm)ratios.In the present work,a new formulation is developed by adding shear deformation along the thickness direction to the existing modified EMBT formulation.The variation of shear deformation along the thickness direction is found using different shear deformation theories,i.e.,first-order shear deformation theory(FSDBT),parabolic shear deformation theory(PSDBT),trigonometric shear deformation theory(TSDBT),and hyperbolic shear deformation theory(HSDBT).The analysis is performed at l/d_(m) ratios of 5,10,15,20,25,30,35,and 40 for carbon/epoxy composites,E-glass/epoxy composites,and boron/epoxy composite shafts.The results show that new formulation has improved the bending natural frequency of the composite shafts for l/d_(m)<15 in comparison with modified EMBT.The effect of new formulation is more significant for the second and third bending modes of natural frequencies.

Formulation and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of Theaflavin Effervescent Tablet

Theaflavins(TFs),as the major polyphenolic components of fermented tea,possess beneficial effects on human health.In this study,the effervescent tablets based on theaflavins were developed.The optimal formulation of TF effervescent tablets was obtained by response surface methodology with the Box-Behnken design.Then,the physiochemical properties were evaluated,including hardness,friability,effervescent time and pH of the solution.At last,the antioxidant ability of TF effervescent tablets was studied through DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assay.According to the results,the optimal formulation of the tablets contained TF powder 9.09%,disintegrating agent 43.80%(the weight ratio of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate was 1:1),aspartame 1.86%,PEG-6003%,and mannitol in balance.With the wet granulation method,the TF effervescent tablets displayed suitable hardness,fast disintegration time,good color,pleasant taste and high antioxidant activity.This study demonstrated that the TF effervescent tablets could be a valuable product for the supplement market and contribute to promoting practical application of TFs.

Water-Based Environmentally Friendly Pesticide Formulations Based on Cyclodextrin/Pesticide Loading System

Difenoconazole(DIF)is a representative variety of broad-spectrum triazole fungicides and liposoluble pesticides.However,the water solubility of DIF is so poor that its application is limited in plant protection.In addition,the conventional formulations of DIF always contain abundant organic solvents,which may cause pollution of the environment.In this study,two DIF/cyclodextrins(CDs)inclusion complexes(ICs)were successfully prepared,which were DIF/β-CD IC and DIF/hydroxypropyl-β-CD IC(DIF/HP-β-CD IC).The effect of cyclodextrins on the water solubility and the antifungal effect of liposoluble DIF pesticide were investigated.According to the phase solubility test,the molar ratio and apparent stability constant of ICs were obtained.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,thermal gravity analysis,X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used systematically to characterize the formation and characteristics of ICs.The results noted that DIF successfully entered the cavities of two CDs.In addition,the antifungal effect test proved the better performance of DIF/HP-β-CD IC,which exceeded that of DIF emulsifiable concentrate.Therefore,our study provides informative direction for the intelligent use of liposoluble pesticides with cyclodextrins to develop water-based environmentally friendly formulations.

Optimization of the Formulation Process of Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate Tablets

[Objectives]This study was conducted to optimize the Formulation Process of glucosamine chondroitin sulfate tablets. [Methods] The orthogonal design with three levels was carried out with microcrystalline cellulose, calcium hydrophosphate and cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone as three factors to optimize the preparation process. [Results] When microcrystalline cellulose 200 mg/tablet, calcium hydrophosphate 150 mg/tablet, and cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone 80 mg/tablet were added, the angle of repose could meet the requirements of tablet pressing, and the dissolution could reach more than 95% in 30 min. The results of the orthogonal test showed that the dissolution effect of self-made tablets was faster than that of commercial products. [Conclusions] The glucosamine hydrochloride chondroitin sulfate tablets prepared by this prescription have better quality.

Entropy Formulation for Triply Nonlinear Degenerate Elliptic-Parabolic-Hyperbolic Equation with Zero-Flux Boundary Condition

In this note, we investigated existence and uniqueness of entropy solution for triply nonlinear degenerate parabolic problem with zero-flux boundary condition. Accordingly to the case of doubly nonlinear degenerate parabolic hyperbolic equation, we propose a generalization of entropy formulation and prove existence and uniqueness result without any structure condition.

A semi-empirical formula for evaluating residual strain of soils under earthquake loading

A new semi-empirical formula for evaluating the residual strain of soils under earthquake loading is presented in this paper based on the incremental method and the increment model proposed by the authors.When the incident loading is uniform,the results calculated by the new formula are nearly the same as those by the existing formula.For excitation of the random earthquake loading,the results calculated by the new formula are compared to the results obtained by dynamic triaxial tests.The dynamic triaxial tests had been performed considering different seismic waves,confining stresses, consolidation ratios,and types of cohesive soils.The comparison between the calculated and tested results indicate that the presented formula can efficiently and practically describe the time-dependent process of the soil residual strains under actual seismic loads.

中国法庭互动话语formulation现象研究

本文专门研究法庭互动话语formulation现象,旨在揭示法庭互动话语这种具有特殊规则制约的机构话语的formulation的特征,并对机构话语的研究和司法人员提供启示。具体内容是:(1)法庭话语formulation的类型;(2)法庭话语formulation的功能;(3)法庭互动话语formulation行为的特征;(4)法庭话语formulation与互动结构;(5)法庭互动话语formulation与角色关系。

Development and Application of the Professional Software for Formulation Optimization Design

Aim To research the computer optimization design in material formulation. Methods The professional software including experimental design, mathematical modeling and optimization of single and multiple purposes was developed and applied to the formulation design for the flame retardant ethylenepropylene-diene mischpolymer (EPDM) insulation composites. With the aid of equipartition design, the mathematical models were established based on the optimization of the four properties (limiting oxygen index, volume resistance, tensile strength and elongation). Results The models from limited experiments had good significance, and the modeling analysis conclusions were in good agreement with later experiments. The optimization formulation was practically excellent. Conclusion The software enables practically a comprehensive multi-purpose use of material formulation research.

用油墨配方软件Ink Formulation5.0调配专色墨实例

经验配色法常常受到配色者生理、心理因素及其它客观条件的影响,产品质量难以保持稳定,油墨浪费较大,剩余油墨利用率低.另外,依靠经验和感觉配色,只能定性,无法定量,技术的传播与交流比较困难. 电脑配色系统是集测色仪、计算机及配色软件系统于一体的现代化设备.计算机配色的基本原理是将生产上配色所用油墨的颜色数据,预先储存在电脑中,应用其计算出用这些油墨配得与原稿色相同颜色的混合比例,从而达到实现配方的目的.常用的工具有:打样机或印刷适性仪(图1)、电子天平(图2)、分光光度仪(图3)、标准光源(图4)、配色软件(图5)等.